Celebrity call out of leather goods spark online debate

A famous Thai celebrity called on the fashion industry to build on sustainable alternatives to avoid animal products after controversy over a leather bag.

On Wednesday, Maria Poonlertlarp expressed her concern on social media about animal abuse and industrialized killing in the fashion industry.

Her opinion has sparked debate on social media.

According to PETA Asia’s studies, every year, millions of animals including snakes, lizards, and crocodiles, are abused and cruelly killed in Thailand for their exotic-skins or parts. These animals are cut open or skinned alive for commercial purposes.

Animals are raised in farms or factories for consumption under inhumane conditions, massive numbers of animals are confined to very small spaces. They are killed when they are fully grown.

Expert’s concerns of animal welfare

Bhurita Wattanasak, Law and Suppression Unit from Watchdog Thailand Foundation who has been advocating for animal well-being for over ten years, spoke to Thai Enquirer about the demand for animal parts.

“Wearing animals’ skins is a signifier as a source of wrath.” she says. “Animal consumption continues despite Thailand’s Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Act”

Thailand’s Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Act came into effect in December 2014 to better conditions for all animals in the kidding. But despite this, abuse continues.

“We hardly see the government’s cooperation in enforcing legislation.” she says. “It never ensures the well being of the animals or acknowledges cruelty to farm animals.”

For Bhurita, it is frustrating that the nation always brings up animal slaughter licensing to provide a strong excuse for unnecessary consumption while the ban of animal-based products has become a global norm.

Current Trends in Consumption of Animal Products

The trend is changing however and many young people consume less unnecessary animal products and voice their concerns about animal welfare standards.

Pisit Lewlattanawadee, 30, feels animal leather product is an unnecessary want.

“It is a choice, and it is very unnecessary. An animal leather bag or other animal-based products are not a necessity,” Pisit told Thai Enquirer.

Rumradar Pengpongsa, a 27-year-old woman, told Thai Enquirer that she finds food consumption and the fashion industry are similar.

“Even if the bag wasn’t made of animal skin, it can still be a bag. It’s the same as food consumption,” she says. “All industries can find a substitute.”

It’s going to take a long time to fight capitalism that does not see value in animal lives, Dhurita, a lawyer who advocates for animals says. She believes that people should see animals as a living creature.

“People should recognize animal’s existence of animals in more value,” Dhurita says. “We should not profit off everything of animals.”

Feature photo via Maria Poonlertlarp Facebook

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